FAQs

Answer
A work-related hearing loss case is recordable (under T8CCR 14300.10) only if the employee has a current audiogram revealing a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) of an average of 10 decibels (dB) or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 hertz (Hz) in one or both ears and the employee's total hearing level is 25 decibels or more (averaged over 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz) above audiometric zero in the same ear, without using an Age Adjustment.

Question
How do I determine if the hearing loss case is work related?

Answer
Use the rules set forth in T8CCR 14300.5 (Determination of Work-Relatedness).

Question
How do I evaluate if an employee currently has a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) of 25 decibels or greater?

Answer
You must first find out if the employee had a recordable hearing loss in the past. If they have, then compare the employee’s current audiogram with their audiogram showing the previous recordable hearing loss. If the employee has not previously had a recordable hearing loss, then compare the employee’s current audiogram with their baseline audiogram.

Question
What if a physician or other licensed health care professional determines that the hearing loss is not work-related or has not been significantly aggravated by workplace noise exposure?

Answer
If such a determination is made then you are not required to consider the case work-related and do not have to record the case on the Cal/OSHA Form 300 (or equivalent).

Question
May I retest the employee who has an audiogram revealing a recordable Standard Threshold Shift (STS)?

Answer
Yes. Retests for a recordable STS must be conducted within 30 days of the test that revealed the recordable STS. If the retest confirms the recordable STS, record the case within 7 calendar days of the retest. If the retest does not confirm the recordable STS, do not record the case. If additional testing (performed under the requirements of T8CCR 5097) shows that the recordable STS has not persisted, the entry on the Log 300 may be erased or lined-out.